Advanced Tissue Characterization and Texture Analysis Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: Horizons and Emerging Applications

Abstract

In the last article of this issue, advanced analysis capabilities of DECT is reviewed, including spectral Hounsfield unit attenuation curves, virtual monochromatic images, material decomposition maps, tissue effective Z determination, and other advanced post-processing DECT tools, followed by different methods of analysis of the attenuation curves generated using DECT. The article concludes with exciting future horizons and potential applications, such as the use of the rich quantitative data in dual energy CT scans for texture or radiomic analysis and the use of machine learning methods for generation of prediction models using spectral data.

Keywords: Dual-energy CT; Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; Machine learning; Material decomposition iodine maps; Radiomic analysis; Spectral Hounsfield unit attenuation curves; Texture analysis; Virtual monochromatic images.